"Hello, Xiahe, I'm Linda, it's great to meet you." The person greeted Xiahe warmly as soon as she saw her. Xiahe was not surprised that Linda could recognize her at a glance, after all, Xiahe was the only Asian face in this place. After chatting with Linda for a few more minutes, Linda took Xiahe to a restaurant.
"Xiahe, try these. These are specialties from Saudi Arabia: cold daroo salad, butter noodles, curry chicken rice, hummus, and grilled meat skewers." Xiahe looked at the table full of exotic food and revealed her typical foodie expression. "Oh my god, Linda, you're too kind. You ordered so many dishes. Well then, I won't be polite." The meal was a pleasant one for both host and guests.
After a satisfying meal, Xia He presented Linda with gifts. "Linda, these are some local specialties I brought back from China. They're all little trinkets, and some are from my hometown. Take them home and try them." Among the gifts were "fermented broad bean paste, chili powder, Sichuan peppercorn oil, spicy chicken cubes, spicy rabbit heads, and shredded beef..." Linda looked at the vacuum-packed rabbit heads with a puzzled expression. "Xia He, do you Chinese people all eat rabbit heads? This is terrifying! Are they really meant to be eaten?"
Xia He gave a strange smile. "You'll know once you try it." Although she didn't know if Linda would ultimately try the rabbit head, Xia He was still trying her best to promote it. Afterwards, Xia He told Linda the purpose of her trip: she wanted the contact information of a Saudi Arabian arms dealer.
Linda then adopted a serious expression. "Xiahe, although these weapons aren't prohibited in Saudi Arabia, they're still traded underground. Buying weapons can be quite dangerous, so you need to be careful. It's best to disguise yourself when you're making a face-to-face transaction. I know a middleman who can help you with the deal." Linda then gave Xiahe the middleman's contact information.
Linda then showed Xiahe around, introducing her to the unique features and attractions of Saudi Arabia. After explaining some of the customs and taboos of the locals, the two parted ways. As darkness fell, the mosquitoes that belonged to the night began to appear. Xiahe returned to the hotel along the route she remembered, having not had time to take a closer look at the surroundings when she arrived in the morning.
The hotel is a standalone 24-story building with an overall decor featuring Saudi Arabia's distinctive white and gold style. The hotel's doors, windows, and even eaves are adorned with flamboyant sculptures and intricate, unidentified patterns, resembling the various demons and monsters depicted in a Chinese classic. Upon entering the hotel and passing through the lobby, one is greeted by rows of lush, interwoven tropical trees. The greenery, combined with the warm nighttime lighting, creates a sense of tranquility. According to the hotel manager, this area brings together all of Saudi Arabia's characteristic plants.
After passing through the lush forest, we arrived at the hotel suite that Xia He had specially booked. Because she had two little ones with her, Xia He had specially booked a room with a courtyard so that the two little ones wouldn't be so bored when Xia He went out to stock up on supplies.
As soon as Xia He entered the courtyard, the two little dogs immediately surrounded her enthusiastically, wagging their tails wildly and vying to be held by her. Since they were both small dogs, they even jumped in front of her with all their might so that she could see them. Xia He had no choice but to pick them up and then go into the room.
After resting for a while, Xia He dialed the middleman's number. A man answered, "Hello, who is this?" After Xia He explained her purpose, the man arranged to meet her at a coffee shop at 10 a.m. the next morning. Then, Xia He picked up the hotel menu and ordered food. She ordered five servings of everything she had eaten out that day, as well as various unfamiliar dishes. If she weren't worried about arousing suspicion, Xia He would have liked to order 50 servings of everything on the menu!
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